Norethisterone
Norethisterone is a prescription medication designed to delay your period, offering convenience for special occasions or personal preferences. It contains 5mg of synthetic progesterone, which mimics the naturally occurring hormone in the body, enabling effective period postponement for up to two weeks.
Key facts
- Classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK
- Treatment category: Womens
- Price (if prescribed): from £14.99
- Typical supply: 20 days
- Availability: Available following an online consultation
- Prescriber review: every order is assessed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist
Norethisterone prices by dose and pack size
| Strength | Pack size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 pack | £14.99 |
Norethisterone: Effective Period Delay Treatment
What is Norethisterone?
Norethisterone is a prescription medication designed to delay your period, offering convenience for special occasions or personal preferences. It contains 5mg of synthetic progesterone, which mimics the naturally occurring hormone in the body, enabling effective period postponement for up to two weeks.
This treatment works best when taken three days before your period. If you choose to stop the course earlier, your period will typically resume within 2–3 days.
How Does Norethisterone Work?
Norethisterone prolongs the menstrual cycle by maintaining high levels of progesterone, which prevents the uterus lining from shedding.
The Process:
- Progesterone levels naturally drop before a period, causing the uterine lining to break down.
- Norethisterone prevents this drop, delaying menstruation.
- Once you stop taking Norethisterone, progesterone levels decrease, and your period begins within a few days.
Benefits of Using Norethisterone
The primary benefit of Norethisterone is a period delay. Additionally, it may be used to treat:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Painful periods.
- Premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
- Abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Endometriosis.
How to Take Norethisterone
Taking Norethisterone is simple:
Dosage Instructions
- Start taking the 5mg tablets three days before your period is due.
- Take one tablet three times a day, with or without food (morning, lunch, evening).
- Your period will resume 2–3 days after stopping the medication.
Norethisterone should not be used for more than two weeks without consulting a healthcare professional.
Possible Side Effects of Norethisterone
Most women tolerate Norethisterone well, especially at the low 5mg dose. However, some may experience mild side effects such as:
- Stomach aches.
- Skin rashes or itching.
- Headaches or dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Breast tenderness.
- Fluid retention.
Severe Side Effects (Rare):
- Facial swelling or wheezing (allergic reactions).
- High blood pressure.
- Thrombosis (blood clots).
- Liver problems or jaundice.
If you experience severe side effects, stop taking the medication immediately and consult your healthcare professional.
Who Should Not Take Norethisterone?
Norethisterone is generally suitable for women over 18. However, you should avoid this treatment if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a history of blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.
- Suffer from liver problems or jaundice.
- Have a tumour in the liver, breasts, womb, or ovaries.
- Have high levels of fat in the blood.
Always inform your healthcare professional about existing conditions or medications before starting Norethisterone.
Does Norethisterone Interact with Other Medications?
Norethisterone may interact with certain treatments, such as:
- Contraceptive pills.
- St John’s Wort.
- Barbiturates.
- Rifamycins.
- Carbamazepine or topiramate (epilepsy medicines).
- Griseofulvin (antifungal).
- Ciclosporin (immune suppressant).
Inform your healthcare professional about any other medications you are taking to avoid complications.
Can Norethisterone Be Used as Contraception?
No, Norethisterone is not a contraceptive. If you are sexually active and wish to avoid pregnancy, consider an additional form of contraception.
Can I Buy Norethisterone Online from Medihealth Direct?
Yes, you can purchase Norethisterone 5mg tablets online from Medihealth Direct. After completing a quick online consultation, your medication will be reviewed and approved by a registered healthcare professional.
Your order will be delivered in discreet packaging with next-day delivery available across the UK.
Norethisterone FAQs
What is Norethisterone used for?
Norethisterone is primarily used for delaying periods but is also effective in treating heavy periods, PMS, and endometriosis.
How long can I delay my period with Norethisterone?
You can delay your period for up to two weeks using Norethisterone.
Will Norethisterone reset my cycle?
No, Norethisterone will not reset your menstrual cycle.
Can I take Norethisterone after my period has started?
No, Norethisterone is ineffective once your period has begun.
How long after stopping Norethisterone will my period start?
Your period will typically start 2–3 days after stopping the treatment.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Norethisterone?
Yes, but alcohol may worsen certain side effects like nausea or dizziness.
Can Norethisterone delay ovulation?
Norethisterone may delay ovulation but does not prevent it entirely.
Is it safe to buy Norethisterone online?
Yes, purchasing Norethisterone from Medihealth Direct is safe, secure, and confidential.
How does the online consultation for Norethisterone work?
- Complete a confidential online health questionnaire.
- A GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your answers and confirms whether the treatment is clinically appropriate.
- If approved, your medication is dispensed by the pharmacy and delivered in discreet packaging by tracked UK delivery.
See how the service works or browse all treatments.